I love the chess match going on in this series between the Celtics and Heat. Both teams have made changes to their schemes in Game 5, hitting right at the other’s adjustments.
Celtics and Heat Adjusting to Each Other
On Miami’s end, they’re trying to get LeBron James and Dwyane Wade the ball close to the basket. The Heat’s first play was a Hawk set that saw Wade set a ball screen on the right side, then circle around the baseline to post up on the left side. Wade and James have gotten several post-ups since then.
Boston’s adjustment? Hard double teams to get the ball out of Wade and James’ hands in the post, followed by the three other defenders keeping their feet in the paint and closing off passing lanes. Sharp cuts by James and Wade have victimized the Celtics a couple times, but overall, they have to feel pretty good with how their defense is playing.
Like I said at the jump, seeing these unfold is fun. These things happen in a Game 5.
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